This year, for the first time at Funding Forward we’re excited to hold a plenary on marriage equality. Over the years, several trailblazing foundations have taken bold steps to support the movement for same sex-marriage – affecting the lives of millions of LGBTQ couples and families across the country.

Thanks to the work of hundreds of committed advocates and dedicated philanthropic supporters, 37 states and the District of Columbia now have the freedom to marry. We’re looking forward to featuring some of the top funders on this issue at Funding Forward.

From 2004 – 2013, funding for marriage equality efforts totaled $79.2 million and came from a small group of dedicated funders. Of this total, $20 million, or 22 percent, came through the Civil Marriage Collaborative (CMC). Today, the CMC whose funding partners are Calamus Foundation (DE); Evelyn and Walter Haas, Jr. Fund; Ford Foundation; Gill Foundation; Horizons Foundation; Johnson Family Foundation; Overbrook Foundation; and Anonymous Donors announced $1 million in grants to six groups working on marriage equality public education efforts in five states: Florida, Georgia, Michigan, Ohio and Texas.

On April 28th, the Supreme Court will hear oral arguments to secure a decision on whether states can ban same-sex couples from marrying. A decision is expected by the end of June. While we eagerly await this important decision that will affect the lives of thousands of people in the LGBTQ community, we’re looking forward to having a lively conversation at Funding Forward that will review successes, challenges, and lessons learned for philanthropy.